WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.540 welcome to St Paul's. Let me add my welcome to those of Nick's and others. My name's Steve. I've 00:00:05.540 --> 00:00:10.779 never met you before. I'm the lead pastor here at St Paul's and we're, as Nick has indicated, 00:00:10.859 --> 00:00:16.179 we are partway through our vision series. So we've got the St Paul's app. If you want to 00:00:16.179 --> 00:00:22.780 jump online, there's an outline for today's message and also keep your Bibles open there 00:00:22.780 --> 00:00:32.760 in Galatians 5. I'm focusing more on 6 in this message today. Loneliness and actual isolation 00:00:32.760 --> 00:00:44.520 have become a real epidemic in the 21st century. They were certainly concerns before the arrival 00:00:44.520 --> 00:00:50.740 of COVID-19 and the lockdowns around that, but they have certainly, these issues have been 00:00:50.740 --> 00:01:00.540 exacerbated since COVID-19. Social isolation and loneliness are among the many factors 00:01:00.540 --> 00:01:08.320 that are known to be detrimental for a person's well-being, sense of well-being. They are in fact 00:01:08.320 --> 00:01:15.859 known to be harmful for not just mental health, but also for physical health as well. And the irony of 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:22.219 all that is that we are apparently more connected than we've ever been in any history in the world, 00:01:22.319 --> 00:01:32.780 any time in history. Connected via the internet and social media, and yet more socially isolated 00:01:32.780 --> 00:01:41.500 and lonely. Every time there's a census, these numbers continue to rise. And of course, the increase 00:01:41.500 --> 00:01:49.960 of wealth in general has not in any way matched with an increase in personal happiness. 00:01:51.200 --> 00:01:59.039 The sad reality of our lives is that as we have been speeding up and speeding up and speeding up, 00:01:59.539 --> 00:02:06.700 for many of us, our friendships and our connections, personal relationships, have not been able to 00:02:06.700 --> 00:02:16.520 keep pace with that. And the amazing bit in all this is the largest group that is experiencing social 00:02:16.520 --> 00:02:24.840 isolation and loneliness in our city are those between 15 and 24 years of age. You know, the ones who are 00:02:24.840 --> 00:02:32.340 constantly on social media, who have got more friends on social media than, well, I do. 00:02:32.340 --> 00:02:43.099 As of 2022, 17% of males and 15% of females aged between 15 and 24 were experiencing loneliness and 00:02:43.099 --> 00:02:50.520 isolation. That's the group that we call next gen, the next generation here, the youth and young adults 00:02:50.520 --> 00:03:00.560 of this church. If this is a sad aspect of modern life in general, it is even sadder for Christians. 00:03:00.560 --> 00:03:10.460 Christians. We need each other in order to grow into what God has saved us for. So one of the things I've 00:03:10.460 --> 00:03:18.599 been saying throughout this series is that there is often a gap between the great truths of the Christian 00:03:18.599 --> 00:03:29.300 faith and what they declare and the lives that such great truths should produce. There's often a gap. 00:03:30.560 --> 00:03:40.520 That is, we can believe great things, but our character and our priorities are no different from those who 00:03:40.520 --> 00:03:49.379 don't believe those great things. And what we need is grace-fuelled rhythms, which is what this series is 00:03:49.379 --> 00:03:57.840 about. We need spiritual disciplines. We need holy habits. Christian practices to push those truths down 00:03:57.840 --> 00:04:06.039 from the mind into the heart in such a way that we approach our lives and the world and society entirely 00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:16.000 differently. And this is why I think friendship is a spiritual discipline more than just a helpful idea 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:24.660 to guard your mental health and your physical health. It is a godly habit as well as a good habit 00:04:24.660 --> 00:04:32.620 in which we sharpen each other's thinking, harden one another's resolve to continue to follow Christ 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:39.380 and soften one another's heart to God's word and his will for our lives. So I've got three points on the 00:04:39.380 --> 00:04:44.040 screen. This is going to be the journey for us today. First of all, made for relationships. 00:04:44.040 --> 00:04:53.900 The primary reason why spiritual friendship is a Christian discipline is that we need in order to 00:04:53.900 --> 00:05:00.439 become all that God has called us to in Jesus is that we were actually created for relationship. 00:05:01.720 --> 00:05:08.740 That is, it's in our very DNA. It's part of our design. And now I preached a sermon about this last year 00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:16.920 in Genesis. So because you're all familiar with that joke. I won't go over it all. But you can go back 00:05:16.920 --> 00:05:23.960 to that in Genesis last year and have a read of that. It's called Created for Relationship, I think. 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:32.360 I mean, it's pretty, anyway. The quick summary of it is that on page two of the Bible, it says, 00:05:32.360 --> 00:05:42.860 in all the creation accounts, the only time where God creates and he says it is not good is in the 00:05:42.860 --> 00:05:52.300 creation of humanity and with Adam being alone. Genesis 2.25 is the only place where God says 00:05:52.300 --> 00:05:58.460 something that he's made is described as not good. That is, there's something not good about Adam. 00:05:58.459 --> 00:06:05.539 It's not that he's got a design flaw. God did not make a mistake. Adam is in paradise. He is in 00:06:05.539 --> 00:06:15.560 perfection. And yet there is still something missing. The missing piece is that we as humanity is made in 00:06:15.560 --> 00:06:27.259 the image of a God who is an us, not a me. Adam was made in the image of an eternal community, the one God, 00:06:27.259 --> 00:06:33.659 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one. Saint Augustine said that the Trinity 00:06:33.659 --> 00:06:43.680 is the only version of God and ultimate reality in any religion or philosophical system 00:06:43.680 --> 00:06:55.519 that has personal relationship at its very heart. Only the God of Christianity is himself a community. 00:06:55.519 --> 00:07:06.680 God is a self-sufficient, self-sustaining community. Three persons delighting in each other and loving 00:07:06.680 --> 00:07:16.500 each other and serving each other in absolute perfect unity so that they move as one and yet distinctively 00:07:16.500 --> 00:07:25.299 three. Only in the Trinity do we see that personal relationship is primary, not secondary. 00:07:25.519 --> 00:07:33.519 They, personal relationship is not a means to an end. They are at the very center of reality and of life. 00:07:33.519 --> 00:07:43.019 And I mentioned back, you probably won't need to go and watch it now, but I mentioned back then there are three broad categories of relationships. 00:07:43.019 --> 00:07:53.779 We need deep relationship with God. We need deep relationship with another human being and we need deep relationship with people who are different than us. 00:07:53.779 --> 00:08:03.139 That is, we cannot grow to be like the God in whose image we are made without community. 00:08:04.139 --> 00:08:18.519 We cannot be wiser, more loving, courageous, more joyful, stable without the community of God and his people collectively moving in obedience to the God in whose image we are made. 00:08:18.519 --> 00:08:48.500 We need that together. 00:08:48.500 --> 00:08:54.899 We love to guard our privacy. We like to hold commitment to any groups at an arm's length. 00:08:55.700 --> 00:09:01.720 We prefer relationships that don't challenge us, that don't stretch us, that don't cost us too much. 00:09:03.720 --> 00:09:05.100 That's our preference. 00:09:05.100 --> 00:09:27.940 In fact, I've recently read one sociologist said the only relationship that is left in modern Western society that is not transactional in that you are stuck with it legally and emotionally is parenting. 00:09:27.940 --> 00:09:34.880 And he said, that's why so many people are choosing to have dogs rather than kids. 00:09:35.680 --> 00:09:40.740 You know, your dog eats your best pair of shoes and you can just take it to the vet. 00:09:41.460 --> 00:09:43.760 Like literally, I mean, it just transactional. 00:09:43.800 --> 00:09:46.020 Every other relationship is transactional except parenting. 00:09:46.140 --> 00:09:46.760 You're stuck with it. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:53.120 We prefer relationships that don't challenge us or stretch us too much. 00:09:53.220 --> 00:09:56.860 And so we stay spiritually, emotionally and relationally immature. 00:09:58.419 --> 00:10:07.379 And what's interesting is that in ancient times, friendship was regarded as the most virtuous of all relationships. 00:10:07.379 --> 00:10:16.360 In our modern age, we regard our sexual relationships as the most virtuous of all relationships. 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:18.620 Our identity is attached to sexuality. 00:10:18.939 --> 00:10:21.259 In ancient times, it's an entirely different thing. 00:10:21.700 --> 00:10:31.100 Friendship, the greatest in the sense that you have family relationships whether you like it or not. 00:10:31.419 --> 00:10:32.480 Like you don't choose that. 00:10:32.539 --> 00:10:34.799 You don't choose who your family is. 00:10:34.799 --> 00:10:36.340 It just happens to you. 00:10:37.379 --> 00:10:42.679 Even in modern times, we would say that we fell in love. 00:10:43.059 --> 00:10:49.399 It's kind of something that happened to us rather than something that we might have wanted it, but it just could have happened to us. 00:10:49.799 --> 00:10:53.860 In ancient times, there was a range of marriages. 00:10:54.240 --> 00:10:56.439 It wasn't something that it just happened to you. 00:10:56.879 --> 00:11:03.059 And so they regarded that friendship was the greatest, the most virtuous. 00:11:03.059 --> 00:11:09.399 Because it doesn't happen unless you intentionally work at it. 00:11:09.399 --> 00:11:15.559 And in that sense, they thought it was the most virtuous of relationships because it was the relationship you had to work at. 00:11:15.559 --> 00:11:26.039 The practice of friendship for the Christian is something that they extend to the whole Christian community. 00:11:27.079 --> 00:11:30.119 Now, of course, there are all kinds of levels of intensity to it. 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:33.779 You know, Jesus had the crowds of people who followed him. 00:11:34.539 --> 00:11:39.200 He had his 12 disciples who he chose who were with him at every moment. 00:11:39.720 --> 00:11:42.899 And there were those who were particularly close to him. 00:11:43.360 --> 00:11:45.419 Even there's Peter, James and John. 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:47.440 He's three best mates, if you like. 00:11:47.440 --> 00:11:50.620 But John was his bestest of his best mates. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:54.400 Read John's gospel. 00:11:54.540 --> 00:11:56.000 The disciple whom Jesus loved. 00:11:56.060 --> 00:11:57.140 He's referring to himself. 00:11:58.080 --> 00:12:00.120 Don't know what the rest of them thought about that when that was published. 00:12:00.360 --> 00:12:00.660 But, you know. 00:12:01.260 --> 00:12:06.300 But despite the practice of friendship being more intense with some, 00:12:07.080 --> 00:12:12.500 we are to practice the discipline of friendship with all Christians in our church community. 00:12:12.500 --> 00:12:17.620 Because that's what we were created for, but it's also what we were saved for, which is my next point. 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:23.940 Now, Galatians 6, which Merle just read out to us, doesn't actually use the word friendship. 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:33.519 But it does talk about the characteristics of Christian community and Christian relationship and Christian friendship. 00:12:34.379 --> 00:12:40.759 And it gives us two main qualities of spiritual friendship that we are called to practice as a Christian community. 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:44.419 And they are dependability and transparency. 00:12:45.679 --> 00:12:47.080 So, first of all, dependability. 00:12:47.840 --> 00:12:52.379 A friend is someone who is always there for you. 00:12:52.460 --> 00:12:55.100 Galatians 6.2 says, 00:12:55.679 --> 00:13:01.360 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 00:13:01.360 --> 00:13:15.740 Now, if we see someone carrying a heavy load, you know, arms full of shopping, out of the boot of the car, into the house, 00:13:16.460 --> 00:13:24.519 the way that we assist them in carrying their load is not to, let me pray for you, 00:13:24.600 --> 00:13:28.980 that you would have the strength and the energy to get that onto the kitchen bench. 00:13:28.980 --> 00:13:31.899 I mean, that might be a contribution. 00:13:33.399 --> 00:13:34.820 But that's not enough, is it? 00:13:35.740 --> 00:13:43.659 The load has to transfer, some of the load has to transfer from them onto you to carry the burden. 00:13:44.379 --> 00:13:45.200 Is that correct? 00:13:45.600 --> 00:13:46.940 The burden has to shift. 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:49.060 You have to take some of the load. 00:13:49.379 --> 00:13:52.200 Just praying for them, helpful. 00:13:53.060 --> 00:13:55.940 Once you've done that, then get the burden and carry it. 00:13:55.940 --> 00:14:03.800 If we take the time to listen to a person with an emotional burden, going again and again and again, 00:14:04.200 --> 00:14:06.480 we will be drained, for instance. 00:14:07.260 --> 00:14:12.080 What that happens is, someone with an emotional burden that you are taking the time to engage with 00:14:12.080 --> 00:14:15.460 and listen to and listen to and be with and be with, 00:14:15.460 --> 00:14:25.720 what ultimately happens is, some of their emotional burden drops onto you in such a way that you become drained yourself. 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:27.900 Drained. 00:14:28.019 --> 00:14:35.139 We lose some of our own emotional resources in order for their emotional resource to be lifted. 00:14:35.139 --> 00:14:40.559 Some of their suffering slides across onto us. 00:14:40.819 --> 00:14:43.319 We are bearing some of their burden. 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:45.980 It's the same with financial burdens. 00:14:46.199 --> 00:14:53.100 If someone has a financial burden, there is absolutely no way of bearing some of their burden 00:14:53.100 --> 00:14:56.960 without losing some of our financial resources. 00:14:58.220 --> 00:14:59.639 There's no other way. 00:14:59.639 --> 00:15:07.960 The burden can't be lifted up without the other losing some of their resources. 00:15:10.899 --> 00:15:15.279 And the great Jonathan Edwards said that in one of his sermons, 00:15:15.699 --> 00:15:20.439 if we love to help them, if our statement is, I would so love to help them, 00:15:20.779 --> 00:15:22.600 but frankly, I can't afford it. 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:26.960 What we're actually saying is, I can't help them without burdening myself. 00:15:26.960 --> 00:15:31.220 And you say, well, that's exactly the point of radical generosity. 00:15:32.800 --> 00:15:34.259 You ought to be burdened. 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:35.700 That's the point. 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:42.639 And that is exactly what Galatians 6.2 is calling the Christian community to. 00:15:43.639 --> 00:15:50.320 To be a dependable friend is to allow some of the burden, the suffering of others, 00:15:50.480 --> 00:15:53.400 to slide across onto us. 00:15:53.399 --> 00:16:01.299 A true friend will stay beside you and allow some of your suffering to slide across onto them. 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:09.319 If they don't do that, if they don't do that, they may be an acquaintance. 00:16:10.120 --> 00:16:11.559 They may be a sibling. 00:16:12.899 --> 00:16:14.720 They may even be a spouse. 00:16:15.579 --> 00:16:17.340 But they're not a friend. 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:21.160 Proverbs 18.24 says, 00:16:21.800 --> 00:16:25.840 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, 00:16:26.540 --> 00:16:29.019 but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 00:16:30.540 --> 00:16:36.160 That is, it's possible to have siblings, parents, a spouse, 00:16:36.940 --> 00:16:39.500 who is not a true friend. 00:16:39.500 --> 00:16:43.820 Don't get me wrong. 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:44.700 They're still your brother. 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:46.139 They're still your sister. 00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.220 They're still your parents. 00:16:47.279 --> 00:16:48.500 They're still your spouse. 00:16:48.720 --> 00:16:52.320 But if they don't stick with you in the depths of a burden 00:16:52.320 --> 00:16:54.960 and carry some of that burden themselves, 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:57.620 then they're not a true friend. 00:16:59.460 --> 00:17:05.220 And you can see why the ancients thought that friendship was the most virtuous. 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:11.660 Because a friend is always there, dependable, carrying the burdens. 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:15.680 So the first essence of friendship is one who sticks with the other 00:17:15.680 --> 00:17:17.160 through thick and thin. 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:19.960 A true friend is always dependable. 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:23.680 The second one, second essence of true spiritual friendship 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:26.240 is transparency or it's vulnerability. 00:17:28.039 --> 00:17:31.839 Now, what we have here, these are not words that are really used, 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:35.079 transparency not used or vulnerability not used in Galatians. 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:37.640 But what we have here is, if you like, 00:17:37.660 --> 00:17:43.180 a case study of the transparent spiritual friendship in Galatians 6. 00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:43.759 Verse 1. 00:17:44.059 --> 00:17:47.799 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:51.819 you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently, 00:17:52.400 --> 00:17:55.900 but watch yourselves or you also may be tempted. 00:17:56.940 --> 00:18:01.240 So verse 1 describes a scenario 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:04.819 where a member of this Christian community 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:08.319 amongst the Galatians is caught in a sin. 00:18:10.000 --> 00:18:11.700 Now, this verse is not saying, 00:18:11.720 --> 00:18:12.839 let me just put a caveat here. 00:18:13.299 --> 00:18:15.359 This verse is not saying 00:18:15.359 --> 00:18:17.200 that as a Christian, 00:18:17.940 --> 00:18:19.440 you have a responsibility, 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.620 you are commanded 00:18:20.620 --> 00:18:23.120 to point out to everyone 00:18:23.120 --> 00:18:25.000 where they are wronging, 00:18:25.099 --> 00:18:25.960 where they are flawed, 00:18:26.099 --> 00:18:26.900 where they are failing, 00:18:26.900 --> 00:18:27.960 where they are sinning. 00:18:28.600 --> 00:18:33.200 Like, that's not what this passage is saying at all. 00:18:33.580 --> 00:18:36.220 And there is a lot of ways in the New Testament 00:18:36.220 --> 00:18:40.280 where we are instructed not to be quick to criticise, 00:18:40.380 --> 00:18:41.340 where we're instructed 00:18:41.340 --> 00:18:43.380 that love 00:18:43.380 --> 00:18:44.820 looks 00:18:44.820 --> 00:18:47.240 many falls and failings 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:47.820 in one another. 00:18:47.819 --> 00:18:49.259 1 Peter 4, 8, 00:18:49.399 --> 00:18:51.980 1 Corinthians 13, 5, 00:18:52.179 --> 00:18:54.539 and 13, 7, for instance. 00:18:55.700 --> 00:18:57.240 This is quite specific. 00:18:57.240 --> 00:19:01.240 It says that caught in a sin. 00:19:02.139 --> 00:19:06.119 Now, that statement there 00:19:06.119 --> 00:19:09.240 indicates that this particular sin 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:12.139 is a behavioural pattern. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:15.480 It means that this particular sin 00:19:15.480 --> 00:19:21.460 has got the upper hand of the person. 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:23.839 When it says caught in a sin, 00:19:24.240 --> 00:19:26.660 it doesn't mean you've opened the doors. 00:19:26.860 --> 00:19:28.319 Ah, I've caught you. 00:19:28.660 --> 00:19:30.559 It means the person themselves 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:32.140 is trapped in a sin. 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:34.660 They're the ones who are caught. 00:19:34.740 --> 00:19:35.740 Not that you've caught them, 00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:37.599 but they themselves are caught. 00:19:37.599 --> 00:19:39.220 It's a behavioural pattern 00:19:39.220 --> 00:19:41.200 over and over and over again. 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:43.279 It's a habit of sinful behaviour 00:19:43.279 --> 00:19:44.460 that the Christian 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:46.340 is not able to overcome 00:19:46.340 --> 00:19:48.380 without the help of others. 00:19:49.380 --> 00:19:50.400 They're trapped. 00:19:52.279 --> 00:19:53.299 And in that sense, 00:19:53.400 --> 00:19:54.500 this particular sin 00:19:54.500 --> 00:19:56.360 is therefore harming them. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:20:00.140 And because it's harming them, 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:03.120 it's harming other relationships 00:20:03.120 --> 00:20:05.360 that they are part of. 00:20:05.359 --> 00:20:07.959 So the spiritual friend 00:20:07.959 --> 00:20:10.899 is neither quick to criticise 00:20:10.899 --> 00:20:15.179 nor are they afraid to confront. 00:20:17.139 --> 00:20:18.819 Notice who Paul says 00:20:18.819 --> 00:20:20.879 is the spiritual friend here. 00:20:21.559 --> 00:20:22.579 Brothers and sisters, 00:20:23.439 --> 00:20:25.119 you who live by the Spirit. 00:20:26.219 --> 00:20:28.519 This is not an instruction 00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:29.559 that Paul says, 00:20:29.679 --> 00:20:30.599 hey, by the way, 00:20:30.599 --> 00:20:33.659 the pastors of Galatians 00:20:33.659 --> 00:20:34.539 or the wardens 00:20:34.539 --> 00:20:35.980 or the parish council 00:20:35.980 --> 00:20:38.099 or just the community group leaders 00:20:38.099 --> 00:20:39.579 of the Galatian church. 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:43.299 It's not some special group of Christians. 00:20:43.500 --> 00:20:44.379 It's not just the leaders. 00:20:44.839 --> 00:20:46.859 This is instruction to the brothers 00:20:46.859 --> 00:20:48.819 and this is all the Christian community. 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:53.500 This is your all responsibility. 00:20:53.500 --> 00:20:58.299 And what he's saying is 00:20:58.299 --> 00:20:59.619 to be a true spiritual friend 00:20:59.619 --> 00:21:00.440 in that moment 00:21:00.440 --> 00:21:03.140 with someone who's caught in a sin, 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.519 habitual behaviours, 00:21:05.119 --> 00:21:07.880 you come in to restore gently. 00:21:09.200 --> 00:21:10.799 The word for restore 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:13.880 in the original New Testament language here 00:21:13.880 --> 00:21:18.859 means to set back in place 00:21:18.859 --> 00:21:21.539 a dislocated bone joint. 00:21:21.539 --> 00:21:23.200 You know, 00:21:23.539 --> 00:21:24.180 you've seen the, 00:21:24.319 --> 00:21:24.519 you know, 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:26.539 you've got to yank it into place 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:29.019 and nowadays you get those green whistle things 00:21:29.019 --> 00:21:31.059 and you go off into la-la land 00:21:31.059 --> 00:21:31.619 and, you know, 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.819 doctors get their legs in 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.799 and, you know, 00:21:33.920 --> 00:21:35.059 I think that's how they do it. 00:21:35.119 --> 00:21:35.339 I mean, 00:21:35.359 --> 00:21:36.599 according to Operation Ouch anyway. 00:21:38.980 --> 00:21:41.980 What that means is 00:21:41.980 --> 00:21:44.960 there's something dislocated, 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:46.420 there's something out of place, 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:46.920 there's something 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:49.619 that needs to be put right 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:52.399 and to put it right, 00:21:53.179 --> 00:21:55.439 you need to inflict some pain 00:21:55.439 --> 00:21:57.979 in order to bring healing. 00:21:58.879 --> 00:21:59.599 That is, 00:21:59.699 --> 00:22:01.679 the pain is a healing pain 00:22:01.679 --> 00:22:03.179 that needs to be brought in. 00:22:04.039 --> 00:22:06.239 The confrontation over the sin 00:22:06.239 --> 00:22:07.939 will most likely be painful 00:22:07.939 --> 00:22:10.279 but its goal is to bring 00:22:10.279 --> 00:22:12.399 a change of heart and life 00:22:12.399 --> 00:22:13.599 and healing. 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.699 That's the goal. 00:22:16.299 --> 00:22:16.579 And so, 00:22:16.699 --> 00:22:16.859 therefore, 00:22:16.859 --> 00:22:17.899 the true spiritual friend 00:22:17.899 --> 00:22:19.479 will be gentle. 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:22.679 The goal is to win over 00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:24.240 for healing. 00:22:26.819 --> 00:22:28.959 The key to ensuring 00:22:28.959 --> 00:22:31.019 that there is gentleness 00:22:31.019 --> 00:22:33.459 is in the last sentence 00:22:33.459 --> 00:22:34.679 of verse one. 00:22:35.719 --> 00:22:36.839 Watch yourselves 00:22:36.839 --> 00:22:39.379 or you also may be tempted. 00:22:39.380 --> 00:22:44.080 We can never be 00:22:44.080 --> 00:22:46.100 a gentle, 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:48.760 spiritual friend 00:22:48.760 --> 00:22:51.260 with the goal of healing 00:22:51.260 --> 00:22:54.400 if we are tempted, 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:56.140 is what it's saying. 00:22:56.660 --> 00:22:58.160 If we are tempted, 00:22:58.660 --> 00:22:59.260 primarily, 00:23:00.080 --> 00:23:01.500 here to be proud. 00:23:03.500 --> 00:23:04.460 Tempted to take 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:05.920 the high moral ground 00:23:05.920 --> 00:23:06.980 over someone 00:23:06.980 --> 00:23:07.920 who has got 00:23:07.920 --> 00:23:09.200 the dislocated joint. 00:23:10.240 --> 00:23:11.180 Someone caught 00:23:11.180 --> 00:23:11.920 in the sin. 00:23:12.280 --> 00:23:13.140 Tempted to think 00:23:13.140 --> 00:23:13.460 that 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:16.280 I'm not, 00:23:17.080 --> 00:23:17.780 I would not, 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:18.980 I would never do that. 00:23:20.580 --> 00:23:21.220 Tempted to think 00:23:21.220 --> 00:23:22.400 that I'm not capable 00:23:22.400 --> 00:23:24.620 of a similar sin 00:23:24.620 --> 00:23:26.400 or even an equal sin. 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:28.320 Tempted to think 00:23:28.320 --> 00:23:29.220 that I don't have 00:23:29.220 --> 00:23:30.440 any dislocated joints 00:23:30.440 --> 00:23:30.900 myself. 00:23:33.900 --> 00:23:35.640 If we ever feel 00:23:35.640 --> 00:23:36.820 that we are above 00:23:36.820 --> 00:23:38.000 the person morally, 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:41.099 our air of superiority 00:23:41.099 --> 00:23:42.579 will most certainly 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:43.400 come through 00:23:43.400 --> 00:23:45.240 and we will destroy 00:23:45.240 --> 00:23:46.859 not restore. 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.119 Another way 00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:52.019 of putting that 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:53.599 is to restore humbly. 00:23:54.079 --> 00:23:54.799 In other words, 00:23:54.859 --> 00:23:55.680 the instruction here 00:23:55.680 --> 00:23:56.700 is the same as Jesus. 00:23:58.200 --> 00:23:59.220 Be more mindful 00:23:59.220 --> 00:23:59.900 of the log 00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:00.759 in your own eye 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:01.380 than the speck 00:24:01.380 --> 00:24:01.880 in the other. 00:24:01.880 --> 00:24:06.120 So the spiritual friend 00:24:06.120 --> 00:24:07.020 is not afraid 00:24:07.020 --> 00:24:07.740 to confront 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:09.720 but they also 00:24:09.720 --> 00:24:11.020 don't enjoy it 00:24:11.020 --> 00:24:11.420 either. 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:15.660 This spiritual friendship 00:24:15.660 --> 00:24:16.960 is so essential 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:18.380 for personal transformation. 00:24:19.340 --> 00:24:20.180 We cannot 00:24:20.180 --> 00:24:21.820 change for good 00:24:21.820 --> 00:24:23.920 into the image 00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:24.620 of God 00:24:24.620 --> 00:24:26.440 without spiritual friends. 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:29.740 And spiritual friendship 00:24:29.740 --> 00:24:31.519 is so hard 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:32.960 and it is very difficult 00:24:32.960 --> 00:24:34.779 because it might 00:24:34.779 --> 00:24:35.860 not work. 00:24:37.140 --> 00:24:38.240 The other person 00:24:38.240 --> 00:24:39.340 might turn on you 00:24:39.340 --> 00:24:40.519 and not like you 00:24:40.519 --> 00:24:42.340 or they may even 00:24:42.340 --> 00:24:45.320 want to hurt you. 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.039 And 00:24:47.039 --> 00:24:49.779 that's the danger. 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:49.839 scarier. 00:24:52.319 --> 00:24:53.259 But what is 00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:54.279 even scarier 00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:56.200 is that it might 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.139 actually work. 00:24:59.079 --> 00:24:59.879 It might 00:24:59.879 --> 00:25:00.779 actually work. 00:25:01.920 --> 00:25:02.259 You see, 00:25:02.319 --> 00:25:02.720 when we are 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:03.440 spiritual friends 00:25:03.440 --> 00:25:04.359 to others, 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:05.819 we are giving 00:25:05.819 --> 00:25:06.480 them permission 00:25:06.480 --> 00:25:07.399 to be a spiritual 00:25:07.399 --> 00:25:08.639 friend back to us. 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:12.279 And I wonder 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.680 if the reason 00:25:13.680 --> 00:25:14.359 we might 00:25:14.359 --> 00:25:15.480 give permission 00:25:15.480 --> 00:25:16.119 for 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:17.139 or we 00:25:17.139 --> 00:25:17.859 justify 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:18.799 so much 00:25:18.799 --> 00:25:19.259 or we 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:19.799 ignore 00:25:19.799 --> 00:25:20.519 so much 00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:21.220 or we 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:21.639 overlook 00:25:21.639 --> 00:25:22.480 the sin 00:25:22.480 --> 00:25:22.899 and the 00:25:22.899 --> 00:25:23.720 unrighteousness 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.240 of others 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:24.539 in the 00:25:24.539 --> 00:25:24.839 Christian 00:25:24.839 --> 00:25:25.440 community 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:27.339 so much 00:25:27.339 --> 00:25:28.240 is 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:29.519 mostly 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:29.940 to do 00:25:29.940 --> 00:25:30.460 with us, 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:30.980 not with 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:31.299 them. 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:32.960 It's mostly 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:33.500 to do 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.200 with we 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:34.899 actually 00:25:34.899 --> 00:25:35.599 don't want 00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:36.220 that level 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:36.779 of accountability 00:25:36.779 --> 00:25:37.879 for ourselves 00:25:37.879 --> 00:25:40.119 because it's 00:25:40.119 --> 00:25:40.500 painful. 00:25:42.659 --> 00:25:43.599 A true 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.000 spiritual 00:25:44.000 --> 00:25:44.480 friend 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:45.500 always lets 00:25:45.500 --> 00:25:46.119 you in 00:25:46.119 --> 00:25:47.139 and doesn't 00:25:47.139 --> 00:25:47.460 let you 00:25:47.460 --> 00:25:47.879 down. 00:25:47.880 --> 00:25:48.900 vulnerability, 00:25:49.540 --> 00:25:50.140 transparency, 00:25:50.520 --> 00:25:50.980 reliability, 00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:52.120 dependability, 00:25:52.800 --> 00:25:53.680 sticking closer 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:54.960 than even 00:25:54.960 --> 00:25:55.540 family. 00:25:56.540 --> 00:25:56.720 Now, 00:25:56.840 --> 00:25:57.220 frankly, 00:25:57.320 --> 00:25:57.640 that's the 00:25:57.640 --> 00:25:57.920 kind of 00:25:57.920 --> 00:25:58.180 friendship 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:58.600 we all 00:25:58.600 --> 00:25:59.000 need. 00:26:00.880 --> 00:26:02.820 But the 00:26:02.820 --> 00:26:03.360 problem 00:26:03.360 --> 00:26:03.800 with it 00:26:03.800 --> 00:26:04.420 is 00:26:04.420 --> 00:26:07.880 is that 00:26:07.880 --> 00:26:08.200 we have 00:26:08.200 --> 00:26:08.920 hearts 00:26:08.920 --> 00:26:13.840 that are 00:26:13.840 --> 00:26:15.100 so deeply 00:26:15.099 --> 00:26:16.079 flawed, 00:26:16.079 --> 00:26:16.099 flawed, 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:17.759 insecure, 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:19.339 and uncertain 00:26:19.339 --> 00:26:20.299 of ourselves, 00:26:20.740 --> 00:26:22.459 it's 00:26:22.459 --> 00:26:23.059 always very 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:23.599 hard for us 00:26:23.599 --> 00:26:23.959 to reach 00:26:23.959 --> 00:26:24.439 out to 00:26:24.439 --> 00:26:25.039 others 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:27.299 and start 00:26:27.299 --> 00:26:27.899 that friendship 00:26:27.899 --> 00:26:28.480 cycle. 00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:29.839 Our 00:26:29.839 --> 00:26:30.240 natural 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:30.879 self 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:31.859 is, 00:26:32.159 --> 00:26:32.419 in fact, 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:33.539 afraid of 00:26:33.539 --> 00:26:34.079 this level 00:26:34.079 --> 00:26:34.959 of transparency. 00:26:35.959 --> 00:26:36.699 We've all 00:26:36.699 --> 00:26:37.240 got images 00:26:37.240 --> 00:26:38.039 to maintain, 00:26:38.579 --> 00:26:39.219 egos to 00:26:39.219 --> 00:26:39.619 protect. 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.119 Our 00:26:41.119 --> 00:26:41.439 natural 00:26:41.439 --> 00:26:41.980 self 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:43.319 is also 00:26:43.319 --> 00:26:44.140 selfish 00:26:44.140 --> 00:26:46.339 because we 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:46.680 have been 00:26:46.680 --> 00:26:47.900 taught for 00:26:47.900 --> 00:26:48.680 many decades 00:26:48.680 --> 00:26:49.420 in our 00:26:49.420 --> 00:26:50.839 society that 00:26:50.839 --> 00:26:51.759 you are the 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:52.420 most important 00:26:52.420 --> 00:26:53.279 person in the 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:53.640 world. 00:26:53.640 --> 00:26:53.700 world. 00:26:56.080 --> 00:26:56.720 And the 00:26:56.720 --> 00:26:57.040 way to 00:26:57.040 --> 00:26:57.400 discover 00:26:57.400 --> 00:26:58.040 yourself is 00:26:58.040 --> 00:26:58.280 to look 00:26:58.280 --> 00:26:58.620 inside 00:26:58.620 --> 00:26:59.160 yourself, 00:27:00.020 --> 00:27:01.440 truly you. 00:27:04.160 --> 00:27:04.420 Our 00:27:04.420 --> 00:27:04.740 natural 00:27:04.740 --> 00:27:05.520 selves are 00:27:05.520 --> 00:27:06.220 afraid of 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:07.180 transparency and 00:27:07.180 --> 00:27:07.620 our natural 00:27:07.620 --> 00:27:08.920 self is 00:27:08.920 --> 00:27:09.759 selfish because 00:27:09.759 --> 00:27:10.240 we don't 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:10.800 want to have 00:27:10.800 --> 00:27:11.340 to give 00:27:11.340 --> 00:27:12.040 that level 00:27:12.040 --> 00:27:13.060 of dependability 00:27:13.060 --> 00:27:13.640 to someone 00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:14.080 else. 00:27:14.620 --> 00:27:15.140 So we 00:27:15.140 --> 00:27:15.720 don't like 00:27:15.720 --> 00:27:16.560 dependability 00:27:16.560 --> 00:27:17.480 and transparency. 00:27:19.220 --> 00:27:19.840 The 00:27:19.840 --> 00:27:20.380 transparency 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:21.160 and the 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:21.540 vulnerability 00:27:21.540 --> 00:27:22.500 are unsettling, 00:27:22.620 --> 00:27:22.700 the 00:27:22.700 --> 00:27:23.880 dependability 00:27:23.880 --> 00:27:24.880 is 00:27:24.880 --> 00:27:25.580 onerous, 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:27.299 too scared 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:27.819 and too 00:27:27.819 --> 00:27:28.460 selfish to 00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:28.900 be a true 00:27:28.900 --> 00:27:29.319 spiritual 00:27:29.319 --> 00:27:29.779 friend. 00:27:31.039 --> 00:27:31.539 Much 00:27:31.539 --> 00:27:32.420 easier to 00:27:32.420 --> 00:27:32.660 have 00:27:32.660 --> 00:27:33.340 hundreds 00:27:33.340 --> 00:27:34.440 of 00:27:34.440 --> 00:27:34.819 Facebook 00:27:34.819 --> 00:27:35.539 friends, 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:37.000 hundreds of 00:27:37.000 --> 00:27:37.340 Facebook 00:27:37.340 --> 00:27:37.900 friends 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:40.559 that you 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:41.080 can pause 00:27:41.080 --> 00:27:41.660 actually for 00:27:41.660 --> 00:27:42.460 30 days if 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:42.740 you so 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:44.120 choose or 00:27:44.120 --> 00:27:46.460 unfollow or 00:27:46.460 --> 00:27:47.000 just send an 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.740 emoji when 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:48.039 they're having 00:27:48.039 --> 00:27:48.940 a rough patch. 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:50.920 Much 00:27:50.920 --> 00:27:51.340 easier. 00:27:52.700 --> 00:27:56.319 chapter 5 00:27:56.319 --> 00:27:57.220 verse 26 00:27:57.220 --> 00:27:58.340 refers to 00:27:58.340 --> 00:27:58.880 our heart 00:27:58.880 --> 00:27:59.480 issues. 00:28:00.640 --> 00:28:00.980 Let us 00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:01.559 not become 00:28:01.559 --> 00:28:02.140 conceited, 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:03.100 provoking and 00:28:03.100 --> 00:28:03.819 envying each 00:28:03.819 --> 00:28:04.080 other. 00:28:04.720 --> 00:28:05.279 The word 00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:05.880 conceit 00:28:05.880 --> 00:28:06.600 there means 00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:06.940 to be 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:07.600 hungry for 00:28:07.600 --> 00:28:08.039 glory. 00:28:09.000 --> 00:28:09.740 It means 00:28:09.740 --> 00:28:10.840 I'm always 00:28:10.840 --> 00:28:11.500 hungry for 00:28:11.500 --> 00:28:12.740 glory because 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:13.559 I have 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:14.460 such a 00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:14.779 deep, 00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:15.480 deep need 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:16.319 for affirmation 00:28:16.319 --> 00:28:16.920 and approval. 00:28:18.620 --> 00:28:19.299 That's what 00:28:19.299 --> 00:28:19.600 the word 00:28:19.600 --> 00:28:19.980 conceit 00:28:19.980 --> 00:28:20.340 means. 00:28:20.339 --> 00:28:21.799 So if a 00:28:21.799 --> 00:28:22.679 person who 00:28:22.679 --> 00:28:23.399 is insecure 00:28:23.399 --> 00:28:24.279 and unsure 00:28:24.279 --> 00:28:25.000 of their 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:25.559 own self 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.019 worth, 00:28:26.799 --> 00:28:27.319 constantly 00:28:27.319 --> 00:28:28.039 needing 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:30.039 approval and 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:30.459 when it 00:28:30.459 --> 00:28:31.379 comes, that 00:28:31.379 --> 00:28:32.179 approval that 00:28:32.179 --> 00:28:32.879 comes is 00:28:32.879 --> 00:28:33.799 never enough, 00:28:34.299 --> 00:28:34.980 it's just a 00:28:34.980 --> 00:28:35.679 bottomless pit, 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:38.199 then what that 00:28:38.199 --> 00:28:39.059 means is we 00:28:39.059 --> 00:28:39.919 tend to move 00:28:39.919 --> 00:28:41.039 out into our 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:41.799 friendships and 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:42.579 other relationships 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:43.679 in two ways. 00:28:43.680 --> 00:28:47.220 we provoke 00:28:47.220 --> 00:28:49.299 them, that 00:28:49.299 --> 00:28:49.620 is we 00:28:49.620 --> 00:28:50.240 lord it 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:50.940 over them, 00:28:51.980 --> 00:28:53.340 or we 00:28:53.340 --> 00:28:54.259 envy them, 00:28:54.779 --> 00:28:55.440 which is to 00:28:55.440 --> 00:28:56.620 feel inferior 00:28:56.620 --> 00:28:57.480 to others. 00:28:58.980 --> 00:29:00.060 Exploiting and 00:29:00.060 --> 00:29:01.060 using others 00:29:01.060 --> 00:29:01.880 rather than 00:29:01.880 --> 00:29:02.600 being a true 00:29:02.600 --> 00:29:04.060 friend is all 00:29:04.060 --> 00:29:05.100 an attempt to 00:29:05.100 --> 00:29:06.380 fill that 00:29:06.380 --> 00:29:07.779 hole of the 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:09.259 fragile identity. 00:29:09.259 --> 00:29:11.799 both of them 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.119 are doing 00:29:12.119 --> 00:29:12.799 exactly the 00:29:12.799 --> 00:29:13.420 same thing. 00:29:15.980 --> 00:29:16.740 Can't do the 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:17.599 criticism because 00:29:17.599 --> 00:29:18.359 the ego is 00:29:18.359 --> 00:29:19.000 too fragile, 00:29:19.400 --> 00:29:20.099 can't do the 00:29:20.099 --> 00:29:20.779 dependability 00:29:20.779 --> 00:29:21.359 because it 00:29:21.359 --> 00:29:21.960 doesn't fill up 00:29:21.960 --> 00:29:22.640 my ego, 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:23.500 unless of 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:23.960 course the 00:29:23.960 --> 00:29:24.519 ego that 00:29:24.519 --> 00:29:25.099 needs to be 00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:26.099 filled up is 00:29:26.099 --> 00:29:26.859 the affirmation 00:29:26.859 --> 00:29:27.500 that I need to 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.119 receive from 00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:29.400 others that I 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:30.099 am a true 00:29:30.099 --> 00:29:30.720 helper and a 00:29:30.720 --> 00:29:31.019 friend. 00:29:31.660 --> 00:29:32.059 That is, 00:29:32.099 --> 00:29:32.799 you've got the 00:29:32.799 --> 00:29:33.640 idolatry of 00:29:33.640 --> 00:29:33.960 being a 00:29:33.960 --> 00:29:34.240 helper. 00:29:35.839 --> 00:29:36.900 In that case, 00:29:37.000 --> 00:29:37.879 if you have, 00:29:37.880 --> 00:29:38.900 if your 00:29:38.900 --> 00:29:39.960 affirmation is 00:29:39.960 --> 00:29:40.840 constantly coming 00:29:40.840 --> 00:29:41.860 from being that 00:29:41.860 --> 00:29:42.680 person who is 00:29:42.680 --> 00:29:43.520 always there, 00:29:43.800 --> 00:29:44.520 if that's your 00:29:44.520 --> 00:29:45.260 affirmation, 00:29:45.620 --> 00:29:46.380 then ultimately 00:29:46.380 --> 00:29:48.000 you are moving 00:29:48.000 --> 00:29:49.600 into the 00:29:49.600 --> 00:29:49.880 burden, 00:29:50.260 --> 00:29:51.540 not to lighten 00:29:51.540 --> 00:29:52.000 their burden, 00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:52.820 but to feel 00:29:52.820 --> 00:29:54.200 your sense of 00:29:54.200 --> 00:29:56.620 worthlessness. 00:29:58.240 --> 00:29:58.760 It's you. 00:29:58.980 --> 00:29:59.500 It's about you. 00:29:59.620 --> 00:30:00.660 You're using the 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:01.820 burden for your 00:30:01.820 --> 00:30:02.420 own glory. 00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:05.660 Now, this does 00:30:05.660 --> 00:30:06.420 not have to be the 00:30:06.420 --> 00:30:07.100 case for the 00:30:07.100 --> 00:30:07.480 Christian. 00:30:07.880 --> 00:30:10.400 verses 3 and 00:30:10.400 --> 00:30:11.640 4, chapter 6, 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:12.300 they are quite 00:30:12.300 --> 00:30:12.920 remarkable. 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:15.160 If anyone thinks 00:30:15.160 --> 00:30:16.000 they are something 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:16.900 when they are 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:18.280 not, they 00:30:18.280 --> 00:30:19.260 deceive themselves. 00:30:20.100 --> 00:30:20.780 Each one should 00:30:20.780 --> 00:30:21.540 test their own 00:30:21.540 --> 00:30:21.960 actions. 00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:23.220 Then they can 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:24.060 take pride in 00:30:24.060 --> 00:30:24.980 themselves alone 00:30:24.980 --> 00:30:26.460 without comparing 00:30:26.460 --> 00:30:27.160 themselves to 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:27.920 anyone else. 00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:33.020 See, I don't 00:30:33.020 --> 00:30:33.820 know, you put 00:30:33.820 --> 00:30:34.480 those two verses 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:36.440 together, verse 1 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:37.340 says, the 00:30:37.340 --> 00:30:38.000 Christian is 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.340 nothing. 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:38.799 You think 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.160 you're something 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:39.500 when you're 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:39.700 not? 00:30:40.019 --> 00:30:40.500 Christian is 00:30:40.500 --> 00:30:40.840 nothing. 00:30:41.059 --> 00:30:43.000 Verse 4, Paul 00:30:43.000 --> 00:30:43.600 calls them to be 00:30:43.600 --> 00:30:44.000 proud of 00:30:44.000 --> 00:30:44.500 themselves. 00:30:45.840 --> 00:30:46.240 I mean, what 00:30:46.240 --> 00:30:46.779 category do you 00:30:46.779 --> 00:30:47.360 put that in? 00:30:48.720 --> 00:30:49.279 The Christian 00:30:49.279 --> 00:30:50.299 knows that they 00:30:50.299 --> 00:30:51.059 are more sinful 00:30:51.059 --> 00:30:51.900 and unworthy 00:30:51.900 --> 00:30:52.660 than they ever 00:30:52.660 --> 00:30:54.059 imagined, and 00:30:54.059 --> 00:30:55.019 therefore transparency 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:55.840 should not be a 00:30:55.840 --> 00:30:56.140 problem. 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.500 And at the same 00:30:57.500 --> 00:30:58.200 time, they are 00:30:58.200 --> 00:30:58.940 more loved and 00:30:58.940 --> 00:30:59.580 affirmed than 00:30:59.580 --> 00:31:00.440 they ever dreamed, 00:31:00.960 --> 00:31:02.019 and so defendability 00:31:02.019 --> 00:31:03.180 should not be a 00:31:03.180 --> 00:31:03.460 problem. 00:31:03.460 --> 00:31:05.799 our sinfulness 00:31:05.799 --> 00:31:08.240 humbles us out 00:31:08.240 --> 00:31:10.000 of selfishness, and 00:31:10.000 --> 00:31:11.299 God's approval of 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:12.079 us in Jesus 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:13.500 affirms us out of 00:31:13.500 --> 00:31:14.160 our fear of 00:31:14.160 --> 00:31:14.799 transparency. 00:31:16.200 --> 00:31:17.600 Then we can be a 00:31:17.600 --> 00:31:18.279 true spiritual 00:31:18.279 --> 00:31:18.620 friend. 00:31:20.019 --> 00:31:22.620 So, last point, 00:31:23.420 --> 00:31:24.079 empowered for 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:24.860 spiritual friendship. 00:31:25.059 --> 00:31:26.740 Where do we get 00:31:26.740 --> 00:31:28.340 the power to be 00:31:28.340 --> 00:31:29.319 that kind of 00:31:29.319 --> 00:31:29.900 friend? 00:31:29.900 --> 00:31:32.500 amongst our 00:31:32.500 --> 00:31:33.120 brothers and 00:31:33.120 --> 00:31:34.140 sisters here at 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:35.140 St. Paul's in 00:31:35.140 --> 00:31:35.660 this Christian 00:31:35.660 --> 00:31:36.180 community? 00:31:37.300 --> 00:31:38.000 The answer is 00:31:38.000 --> 00:31:38.640 verse 2. 00:31:40.120 --> 00:31:40.720 Carry each 00:31:40.720 --> 00:31:41.540 other's burdens, 00:31:41.820 --> 00:31:42.519 and in this 00:31:42.519 --> 00:31:43.960 way, you will 00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:45.320 fulfil the law 00:31:45.320 --> 00:31:46.180 of Christ. 00:31:46.880 --> 00:31:47.980 The reason we 00:31:47.980 --> 00:31:48.720 are commanded 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:49.480 here to carry 00:31:49.480 --> 00:31:49.960 each other's 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:51.259 burdens is 00:31:51.259 --> 00:31:52.420 because it 00:31:52.420 --> 00:31:53.580 fulfills the 00:31:53.580 --> 00:31:54.900 law of Christ. 00:31:55.280 --> 00:31:55.759 Now, the word 00:31:55.759 --> 00:31:57.680 law there means 00:31:57.680 --> 00:31:59.820 modelling our 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:01.299 whole life on 00:32:01.299 --> 00:32:02.339 the example 00:32:02.339 --> 00:32:03.220 of Jesus 00:32:03.220 --> 00:32:03.919 Christ. 00:32:05.639 --> 00:32:06.879 Verse 2 00:32:06.879 --> 00:32:09.059 reflects back 00:32:09.059 --> 00:32:10.559 into what 00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:11.399 Paul has 00:32:11.399 --> 00:32:12.379 already said 00:32:12.379 --> 00:32:13.720 in chapter 5, 00:32:13.819 --> 00:32:14.720 verses 13 00:32:14.720 --> 00:32:15.480 and 14. 00:32:15.919 --> 00:32:16.740 You, my 00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.279 brothers and 00:32:17.279 --> 00:32:18.619 sisters, serve 00:32:18.619 --> 00:32:19.139 one another 00:32:19.139 --> 00:32:19.879 humbly in 00:32:19.879 --> 00:32:20.579 love, for 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:21.240 the entire 00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:22.139 law is 00:32:22.139 --> 00:32:23.000 fulfilled in 00:32:23.000 --> 00:32:23.740 keeping this 00:32:23.740 --> 00:32:24.960 one command, 00:32:25.639 --> 00:32:26.460 love your 00:32:26.460 --> 00:32:27.559 neighbour as 00:32:27.559 --> 00:32:28.220 yourself. 00:32:28.220 --> 00:32:30.740 God, the 00:32:30.740 --> 00:32:32.039 God, the 00:32:32.039 --> 00:32:33.539 Son, the 00:32:33.539 --> 00:32:34.700 one who 00:32:34.700 --> 00:32:36.480 existed in 00:32:36.480 --> 00:32:37.600 eternity in 00:32:37.600 --> 00:32:38.160 perfect 00:32:38.160 --> 00:32:39.220 relationship, in 00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:40.160 harmony, came 00:32:40.160 --> 00:32:41.220 into this world as 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.180 a human being. 00:32:42.180 --> 00:32:44.500 God, the 00:32:44.500 --> 00:32:47.500 God, the 00:32:47.500 --> 00:32:48.500 Son, the 00:32:48.500 --> 00:32:48.779 one who 00:32:48.779 --> 00:32:49.480 existed in 00:32:49.480 --> 00:32:50.680 eternity in 00:32:50.680 --> 00:32:51.240 perfect 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:52.259 relationship, in 00:32:52.259 --> 00:32:54.100 harmony, came 00:32:54.100 --> 00:32:55.340 into this world as 00:32:55.340 --> 00:32:56.220 a human being 00:32:56.220 --> 00:32:57.240 and he didn't 00:32:57.240 --> 00:32:58.279 just come near 00:32:58.279 --> 00:32:58.980 to us. 00:33:00.380 --> 00:33:01.000 He didn't just 00:33:01.000 --> 00:33:01.720 come in our 00:33:01.720 --> 00:33:02.580 orbit around 00:33:02.580 --> 00:33:03.900 us, he 00:33:03.900 --> 00:33:05.320 became one 00:33:05.320 --> 00:33:05.960 of us, 00:33:06.620 --> 00:33:08.039 one of us. 00:33:08.039 --> 00:33:10.099 and even 00:33:10.099 --> 00:33:11.000 more, he 00:33:11.000 --> 00:33:11.440 didn't just 00:33:11.440 --> 00:33:12.099 come along 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:13.099 beside us 00:33:13.099 --> 00:33:13.899 to carry 00:33:13.899 --> 00:33:14.740 some of 00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:15.879 our burdens 00:33:15.879 --> 00:33:16.460 in allowing 00:33:16.460 --> 00:33:17.359 some of 00:33:17.359 --> 00:33:18.519 our sin 00:33:18.519 --> 00:33:19.339 and frailty 00:33:19.339 --> 00:33:20.000 and our 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:20.539 failures and 00:33:20.539 --> 00:33:21.200 our flaws 00:33:21.200 --> 00:33:21.920 to come 00:33:21.920 --> 00:33:22.599 across onto 00:33:22.599 --> 00:33:23.519 him until 00:33:23.519 --> 00:33:24.000 we can pull 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:24.339 ourselves 00:33:24.339 --> 00:33:25.099 together and 00:33:25.099 --> 00:33:25.700 move on 00:33:25.700 --> 00:33:26.000 with the 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:26.359 burden. 00:33:27.659 --> 00:33:29.099 He allowed 00:33:29.099 --> 00:33:30.099 the entire 00:33:30.099 --> 00:33:31.220 weight of 00:33:31.220 --> 00:33:31.859 the burden 00:33:31.859 --> 00:33:33.139 of all of 00:33:33.139 --> 00:33:34.659 humanity to 00:33:34.659 --> 00:33:35.639 slide across 00:33:35.639 --> 00:33:36.480 onto him. 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:38.779 the only 00:33:38.779 --> 00:33:39.620 perfect human 00:33:39.620 --> 00:33:40.079 being. 00:33:40.819 --> 00:33:41.420 He took 00:33:41.420 --> 00:33:41.920 it all. 00:33:42.319 --> 00:33:42.700 He took 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.400 the full 00:33:43.400 --> 00:33:44.880 weight of 00:33:44.880 --> 00:33:46.640 human sin 00:33:46.640 --> 00:33:47.880 and suffering 00:33:47.880 --> 00:33:49.360 upon the 00:33:49.360 --> 00:33:49.960 cross at 00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:50.579 Calvary. 00:33:51.539 --> 00:33:52.599 Isaiah 53 00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:53.400 puts it like 00:33:53.400 --> 00:33:53.880 this. 00:33:54.660 --> 00:33:55.299 He took 00:33:55.299 --> 00:33:56.180 up our 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:57.059 pain and 00:33:57.059 --> 00:33:57.839 bore our 00:33:57.839 --> 00:33:58.360 suffering. 00:33:58.839 --> 00:33:59.220 He was 00:33:59.220 --> 00:34:00.019 pierced for 00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:01.319 our transgressions. 00:34:01.620 --> 00:34:02.000 He was 00:34:02.000 --> 00:34:03.319 crushed for 00:34:03.319 --> 00:34:04.519 our iniquities. 00:34:04.920 --> 00:34:05.759 The punishment 00:34:05.759 --> 00:34:06.779 that brought 00:34:06.779 --> 00:34:07.920 us peace 00:34:07.920 --> 00:34:09.519 was on 00:34:09.519 --> 00:34:09.920 him. 00:34:11.239 --> 00:34:11.739 And by 00:34:11.739 --> 00:34:12.619 his wounds 00:34:12.619 --> 00:34:13.659 we have 00:34:13.659 --> 00:34:14.300 been healed. 00:34:15.260 --> 00:34:16.079 The major 00:34:16.079 --> 00:34:17.380 dislocation 00:34:17.380 --> 00:34:18.260 has been 00:34:18.260 --> 00:34:19.679 fixed through 00:34:19.679 --> 00:34:20.920 Jesus suffering 00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:21.559 the pain 00:34:21.559 --> 00:34:22.400 for us 00:34:22.400 --> 00:34:23.880 to put us 00:34:23.880 --> 00:34:24.320 right with 00:34:24.320 --> 00:34:24.659 God. 00:34:25.719 --> 00:34:26.500 The Lord 00:34:26.500 --> 00:34:27.739 has laid 00:34:27.739 --> 00:34:28.599 on him 00:34:28.599 --> 00:34:30.199 the iniquity 00:34:30.199 --> 00:34:30.639 of us 00:34:30.639 --> 00:34:30.920 all. 00:34:31.500 --> 00:34:32.440 He was the 00:34:32.440 --> 00:34:32.980 one who 00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:33.840 was crushed 00:34:33.840 --> 00:34:34.680 by the 00:34:34.680 --> 00:34:35.300 weight of 00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:35.880 the burden 00:34:35.880 --> 00:34:36.539 of human 00:34:36.539 --> 00:34:37.039 sin 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:39.120 because of 00:34:39.120 --> 00:34:39.800 our rejection 00:34:39.800 --> 00:34:41.019 of our 00:34:41.019 --> 00:34:41.740 creator God. 00:34:42.860 --> 00:34:43.680 God 00:34:43.680 --> 00:34:44.600 crushed 00:34:44.600 --> 00:34:45.400 himself 00:34:45.400 --> 00:34:46.760 with the 00:34:46.760 --> 00:34:47.220 burden 00:34:47.220 --> 00:34:48.380 that should 00:34:48.380 --> 00:34:49.120 be ours. 00:34:50.200 --> 00:34:50.960 Why? 00:34:53.460 --> 00:34:54.480 Because he's 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:54.980 the ultimate 00:34:54.980 --> 00:34:55.519 friend. 00:34:57.100 --> 00:34:58.039 He has 00:34:58.039 --> 00:34:58.840 loved his 00:34:58.840 --> 00:34:59.220 neighbour. 00:34:59.219 --> 00:35:01.500 he has 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.319 loved those 00:35:02.319 --> 00:35:02.679 who are 00:35:02.679 --> 00:35:03.239 unlovable. 00:35:04.659 --> 00:35:05.219 In 00:35:05.219 --> 00:35:06.119 John 15 00:35:06.119 --> 00:35:06.559 Jesus 00:35:06.559 --> 00:35:07.199 says 00:35:07.199 --> 00:35:08.519 love each 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:08.839 other 00:35:08.839 --> 00:35:10.059 as I 00:35:10.059 --> 00:35:10.319 have 00:35:10.319 --> 00:35:10.619 loved 00:35:10.619 --> 00:35:10.959 you. 00:35:11.779 --> 00:35:12.079 Greater 00:35:12.079 --> 00:35:12.819 love has 00:35:12.819 --> 00:35:13.759 no one 00:35:13.759 --> 00:35:14.379 than this 00:35:14.379 --> 00:35:15.439 to lay 00:35:15.439 --> 00:35:15.899 down 00:35:15.899 --> 00:35:16.399 one's 00:35:16.399 --> 00:35:16.739 life 00:35:16.739 --> 00:35:17.000 for 00:35:17.000 --> 00:35:17.439 one's 00:35:17.439 --> 00:35:18.000 friends. 00:35:18.779 --> 00:35:19.179 And 00:35:19.179 --> 00:35:19.459 you 00:35:19.459 --> 00:35:20.159 are 00:35:20.159 --> 00:35:21.059 my 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:21.739 friends. 00:35:22.679 --> 00:35:23.319 Not 00:35:23.319 --> 00:35:24.299 you are 00:35:24.299 --> 00:35:24.739 my 00:35:24.739 --> 00:35:25.959 followers. 00:35:26.639 --> 00:35:26.859 Not 00:35:26.859 --> 00:35:27.639 you are 00:35:27.639 --> 00:35:27.980 my 00:35:27.980 --> 00:35:28.939 servants. 00:35:29.219 --> 00:35:29.579 Not 00:35:29.579 --> 00:35:29.899 you are 00:35:29.899 --> 00:35:30.119 my 00:35:30.119 --> 00:35:30.899 subjects. 00:35:31.480 --> 00:35:31.759 You 00:35:31.759 --> 00:35:32.319 are 00:35:32.319 --> 00:35:32.899 my 00:35:32.899 --> 00:35:34.000 friends 00:35:34.000 --> 00:35:35.619 if you 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:35.939 do what 00:35:35.939 --> 00:35:36.099 I 00:35:36.099 --> 00:35:36.439 command. 00:35:37.439 --> 00:35:37.699 I 00:35:37.699 --> 00:35:37.959 no 00:35:37.959 --> 00:35:38.279 longer 00:35:38.279 --> 00:35:38.699 call 00:35:38.699 --> 00:35:38.980 you 00:35:38.980 --> 00:35:39.419 servants 00:35:39.419 --> 00:35:39.779 because 00:35:39.779 --> 00:35:40.039 a 00:35:40.039 --> 00:35:40.679 servant 00:35:40.679 --> 00:35:41.359 does 00:35:41.359 --> 00:35:42.079 not 00:35:42.079 --> 00:35:42.619 know 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:42.939 his 00:35:42.939 --> 00:35:43.519 master's 00:35:43.519 --> 00:35:43.959 business. 00:35:44.599 --> 00:35:44.980 Instead 00:35:44.980 --> 00:35:45.500 I 00:35:45.500 --> 00:35:45.759 have 00:35:45.759 --> 00:35:46.119 called 00:35:46.119 --> 00:35:46.419 you 00:35:46.419 --> 00:35:47.259 friends. 00:35:48.059 --> 00:35:48.339 So 00:35:48.339 --> 00:35:48.579 love 00:35:48.579 --> 00:35:48.799 each 00:35:48.799 --> 00:35:49.099 other 00:35:49.099 --> 00:35:49.719 as 00:35:49.719 --> 00:35:49.919 I 00:35:49.919 --> 00:35:50.139 have 00:35:50.139 --> 00:35:50.419 loved 00:35:50.419 --> 00:35:50.679 you. 00:35:52.019 --> 00:35:52.519 How 00:35:52.519 --> 00:35:52.779 much 00:35:52.779 --> 00:35:53.059 more 00:35:53.059 --> 00:35:53.480 vulnerable 00:35:53.480 --> 00:35:54.000 can 00:35:54.000 --> 00:35:54.179 you 00:35:54.179 --> 00:35:54.579 get 00:35:54.579 --> 00:35:55.439 than 00:35:55.439 --> 00:35:55.739 being 00:35:55.739 --> 00:35:56.239 stripped 00:35:56.239 --> 00:35:56.959 naked 00:35:56.959 --> 00:35:58.159 in front 00:35:58.159 --> 00:35:58.759 of all 00:35:58.759 --> 00:35:59.079 of your 00:35:59.079 --> 00:35:59.599 followers 00:35:59.599 --> 00:36:00.659 all 00:36:00.659 --> 00:36:01.019 of your 00:36:01.019 --> 00:36:01.639 friends 00:36:01.639 --> 00:36:02.399 all 00:36:02.399 --> 00:36:02.739 of your 00:36:02.739 --> 00:36:03.399 families 00:36:03.399 --> 00:36:04.099 all 00:36:04.099 --> 00:36:04.420 of your 00:36:04.420 --> 00:36:05.039 village 00:36:05.039 --> 00:36:06.059 outside 00:36:06.059 --> 00:36:07.480 of a 00:36:07.480 --> 00:36:08.719 city of 00:36:08.719 --> 00:36:09.179 Jerusalem 00:36:09.179 --> 00:36:09.819 on a 00:36:09.819 --> 00:36:10.239 hill 00:36:10.239 --> 00:36:11.460 nailed 00:36:11.460 --> 00:36:11.859 to a 00:36:11.859 --> 00:36:12.259 cross 00:36:12.259 --> 00:36:13.779 for 00:36:13.779 --> 00:36:14.379 there is 00:36:14.379 --> 00:36:15.059 nothing 00:36:15.059 --> 00:36:16.139 hidden. 00:36:17.719 --> 00:36:18.480 How 00:36:18.480 --> 00:36:18.739 much 00:36:18.739 --> 00:36:19.159 more 00:36:19.159 --> 00:36:20.199 dependable 00:36:20.199 --> 00:36:20.719 could 00:36:20.719 --> 00:36:21.099 someone 00:36:21.099 --> 00:36:21.619 be 00:36:21.619 --> 00:36:22.880 that 00:36:22.880 --> 00:36:23.539 they 00:36:23.539 --> 00:36:23.739 would 00:36:23.739 --> 00:36:24.079 rather 00:36:24.079 --> 00:36:25.000 die 00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:26.659 for 00:36:26.659 --> 00:36:26.960 your 00:36:26.960 --> 00:36:27.719 flaws 00:36:27.719 --> 00:36:28.039 for 00:36:28.039 --> 00:36:28.239 your 00:36:28.239 --> 00:36:28.779 failing 00:36:28.779 --> 00:36:29.079 for 00:36:29.079 --> 00:36:29.279 your 00:36:29.279 --> 00:36:29.759 sin 00:36:29.759 --> 00:36:30.380 for 00:36:30.380 --> 00:36:30.619 your 00:36:30.619 --> 00:36:31.559 selfishness 00:36:31.559 --> 00:36:32.039 for 00:36:32.039 --> 00:36:32.239 your 00:36:32.239 --> 00:36:32.920 pride 00:36:32.920 --> 00:36:35.139 than 00:36:35.139 --> 00:36:35.380 give 00:36:35.380 --> 00:36:35.539 up 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:35.699 on 00:36:35.699 --> 00:36:35.920 you. 00:36:37.759 --> 00:36:37.940 You 00:36:37.940 --> 00:36:38.039 see 00:36:38.039 --> 00:36:38.279 when 00:36:38.279 --> 00:36:38.480 we 00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:38.719 see 00:36:38.719 --> 00:36:39.179 Jesus 00:36:39.179 --> 00:36:39.619 being 00:36:39.619 --> 00:36:39.900 that 00:36:39.900 --> 00:36:40.179 friend 00:36:40.179 --> 00:36:40.420 to 00:36:40.420 --> 00:36:40.940 us 00:36:40.940 --> 00:36:41.699 bearing 00:36:41.699 --> 00:36:42.159 our 00:36:42.159 --> 00:36:42.639 infinite 00:36:42.639 --> 00:36:43.159 burden 00:36:43.159 --> 00:36:44.380 then 00:36:44.380 --> 00:36:44.599 we 00:36:44.599 --> 00:36:44.799 can 00:36:44.799 --> 00:36:45.079 bear 00:36:45.079 --> 00:36:45.460 each 00:36:45.460 --> 00:36:46.299 other's 00:36:46.299 --> 00:36:46.900 finite 00:36:46.900 --> 00:36:47.500 burdens 00:36:47.500 --> 00:36:48.420 as 00:36:48.420 --> 00:36:48.739 true 00:36:48.739 --> 00:36:49.179 spiritual 00:36:49.179 --> 00:36:49.559 friends 00:36:49.559 --> 00:36:49.739 to 00:36:49.739 --> 00:36:49.900 one 00:36:49.900 --> 00:36:50.259 another. 00:36:51.619 --> 00:36:52.339 So let 00:36:52.339 --> 00:36:52.719 me just 00:36:52.719 --> 00:36:53.139 say 00:36:53.139 --> 00:36:54.420 really 00:36:54.420 --> 00:36:54.779 briefly 00:36:54.779 --> 00:36:55.279 there is 00:36:55.279 --> 00:36:56.099 so much 00:36:56.099 --> 00:36:56.759 to unpack 00:36:56.759 --> 00:36:57.099 here. 00:36:59.219 --> 00:36:59.639 I want 00:36:59.639 --> 00:36:59.980 to say 00:36:59.980 --> 00:37:03.480 three 00:37:03.480 --> 00:37:04.059 things by 00:37:04.059 --> 00:37:04.599 implication. 00:37:04.900 --> 00:37:05.079 I think 00:37:05.079 --> 00:37:05.380 there's only 00:37:05.380 --> 00:37:05.739 two in 00:37:05.739 --> 00:37:05.859 your 00:37:05.859 --> 00:37:06.139 notes. 00:37:06.339 --> 00:37:06.559 Very 00:37:06.559 --> 00:37:06.839 quickly 00:37:06.839 --> 00:37:07.099 number 00:37:07.099 --> 00:37:07.460 one 00:37:07.460 --> 00:37:08.179 which is 00:37:08.179 --> 00:37:08.460 not in 00:37:08.460 --> 00:37:08.579 your 00:37:08.579 --> 00:37:08.900 notes. 00:37:09.239 --> 00:37:09.639 If 00:37:09.639 --> 00:37:09.859 you're 00:37:09.859 --> 00:37:10.139 already 00:37:10.139 --> 00:37:10.500 in a 00:37:10.500 --> 00:37:10.880 community 00:37:10.880 --> 00:37:11.339 group 00:37:11.339 --> 00:37:12.079 and 00:37:12.079 --> 00:37:12.279 your 00:37:12.279 --> 00:37:12.739 community 00:37:12.739 --> 00:37:13.199 group 00:37:13.199 --> 00:37:13.519 is 00:37:13.519 --> 00:37:14.000 about 00:37:14.000 --> 00:37:15.079 information 00:37:15.079 --> 00:37:15.839 transfer 00:37:15.839 --> 00:37:17.980 and 00:37:17.980 --> 00:37:18.319 not 00:37:18.319 --> 00:37:18.779 about 00:37:18.779 --> 00:37:19.239 building 00:37:19.239 --> 00:37:19.819 connection 00:37:19.819 --> 00:37:20.179 with 00:37:20.179 --> 00:37:20.359 one 00:37:20.359 --> 00:37:20.739 another 00:37:20.739 --> 00:37:21.359 there's 00:37:21.360 --> 00:37:21.480 an 00:37:21.480 --> 00:37:21.880 imbalance 00:37:21.880 --> 00:37:22.099 that 00:37:22.099 --> 00:37:22.340 needs 00:37:22.340 --> 00:37:22.480 to 00:37:22.480 --> 00:37:22.720 shift. 00:37:22.840 --> 00:37:22.940 I'll 00:37:22.940 --> 00:37:23.099 just 00:37:23.099 --> 00:37:23.620 leave 00:37:23.620 --> 00:37:23.820 that 00:37:23.820 --> 00:37:24.039 one 00:37:24.039 --> 00:37:24.320 there. 00:37:25.140 --> 00:37:25.539 Secondly, 00:37:29.380 --> 00:37:29.980 the 00:37:29.980 --> 00:37:30.200 second 00:37:30.200 --> 00:37:30.640 implication 00:37:30.640 --> 00:37:30.880 is our 00:37:30.880 --> 00:37:31.059 three 00:37:31.059 --> 00:37:31.320 vision 00:37:31.320 --> 00:37:31.539 series 00:37:31.539 --> 00:37:31.920 projects. 00:37:32.019 --> 00:37:32.099 Let 00:37:32.099 --> 00:37:32.160 me 00:37:32.160 --> 00:37:32.420 try 00:37:32.420 --> 00:37:32.539 to 00:37:32.539 --> 00:37:32.800 connect 00:37:32.800 --> 00:37:32.960 them 00:37:32.960 --> 00:37:33.099 to 00:37:33.099 --> 00:37:33.320 you 00:37:33.320 --> 00:37:33.559 a 00:37:33.559 --> 00:37:33.680 little 00:37:33.680 --> 00:37:33.860 bit 00:37:33.860 --> 00:37:34.079 in 00:37:34.079 --> 00:37:34.320 this. 00:37:34.320 --> 00:37:35.019 We 00:37:35.019 --> 00:37:35.340 are 00:37:35.340 --> 00:37:35.720 raising 00:37:35.720 --> 00:37:36.059 money 00:37:36.059 --> 00:37:36.380 in 00:37:36.380 --> 00:37:36.539 this 00:37:36.539 --> 00:37:36.820 vision 00:37:36.820 --> 00:37:37.400 series 00:37:37.400 --> 00:37:38.240 to 00:37:38.240 --> 00:37:38.480 see 00:37:38.480 --> 00:37:38.820 our 00:37:38.820 --> 00:37:39.340 neighbours 00:37:39.340 --> 00:37:39.800 come 00:37:39.800 --> 00:37:39.960 to 00:37:39.960 --> 00:37:40.099 know 00:37:40.099 --> 00:37:40.260 the 00:37:40.260 --> 00:37:40.579 ultimate 00:37:40.579 --> 00:37:40.900 friend 00:37:40.900 --> 00:37:41.120 in 00:37:41.120 --> 00:37:41.460 Jesus. 00:37:42.539 --> 00:37:43.180 The 00:37:43.180 --> 00:37:43.480 ultimate 00:37:43.480 --> 00:37:44.000 friend 00:37:44.000 --> 00:37:45.000 who 00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:45.160 will 00:37:45.160 --> 00:37:45.360 never 00:37:45.360 --> 00:37:45.720 leave 00:37:45.720 --> 00:37:45.940 them, 00:37:46.539 --> 00:37:46.660 who 00:37:46.660 --> 00:37:46.780 will 00:37:46.780 --> 00:37:46.980 never 00:37:46.980 --> 00:37:47.380 abandon 00:37:47.380 --> 00:37:47.380 00:37:47.460 --> 00:37:47.680 them, 00:37:48.140 --> 00:37:48.240 the 00:37:48.240 --> 00:37:48.380 one 00:37:48.380 --> 00:37:48.500 who 00:37:48.500 --> 00:37:48.920 truly 00:37:48.920 --> 00:37:49.280 loves 00:37:49.280 --> 00:37:49.500 their 00:37:49.500 --> 00:37:49.800 neighbour, 00:37:51.220 --> 00:37:51.619 an 00:37:51.619 --> 00:37:51.920 ultimate 00:37:51.920 --> 00:37:52.400 friend 00:37:52.400 --> 00:37:52.740 who 00:37:52.740 --> 00:37:52.940 will 00:37:52.940 --> 00:37:53.260 fill 00:37:53.260 --> 00:37:53.680 up 00:37:53.680 --> 00:37:54.220 every 00:37:54.220 --> 00:37:54.800 single 00:37:54.800 --> 00:37:55.220 longing 00:37:55.220 --> 00:37:55.660 of the 00:37:55.660 --> 00:37:55.960 heart. 00:37:57.119 --> 00:37:57.960 And we 00:37:57.960 --> 00:37:58.400 are seeking 00:37:58.400 --> 00:37:58.960 to do 00:37:58.960 --> 00:38:00.440 it in 00:38:00.440 --> 00:38:00.840 our 00:38:00.840 --> 00:38:01.200 church 00:38:01.200 --> 00:38:01.619 family 00:38:01.619 --> 00:38:02.079 home. 00:38:02.340 --> 00:38:02.539 We 00:38:02.539 --> 00:38:03.700 serve 00:38:03.700 --> 00:38:03.880 our 00:38:03.880 --> 00:38:04.200 community 00:38:04.200 --> 00:38:04.539 with 00:38:04.539 --> 00:38:04.760 this 00:38:04.760 --> 00:38:05.900 news 00:38:05.900 --> 00:38:06.559 from 00:38:06.559 --> 00:38:06.840 this 00:38:06.840 --> 00:38:07.200 base, 00:38:07.320 --> 00:38:07.500 our 00:38:07.500 --> 00:38:07.760 church 00:38:07.760 --> 00:38:08.099 family 00:38:08.099 --> 00:38:08.539 home, 00:38:08.700 --> 00:38:09.119 that 00:38:09.119 --> 00:38:09.639 needs 00:38:09.639 --> 00:38:10.059 its 00:38:10.059 --> 00:38:11.019 upgrades 00:38:11.019 --> 00:38:11.480 and 00:38:11.480 --> 00:38:12.240 its 00:38:12.240 --> 00:38:13.059 other 00:38:13.059 --> 00:38:13.780 maintenance 00:38:13.780 --> 00:38:14.320 issues 00:38:14.320 --> 00:38:15.099 to make 00:38:15.099 --> 00:38:15.639 it fit 00:38:15.639 --> 00:38:16.619 for a 00:38:16.619 --> 00:38:17.079 gathering 00:38:17.079 --> 00:38:17.860 point 00:38:17.860 --> 00:38:18.579 for 00:38:18.579 --> 00:38:19.119 connection 00:38:19.119 --> 00:38:19.720 and 00:38:19.720 --> 00:38:20.200 hospitality 00:38:20.200 --> 00:38:20.960 and 00:38:20.960 --> 00:38:21.420 dialogue 00:38:21.420 --> 00:38:21.860 and 00:38:21.860 --> 00:38:22.539 friendship 00:38:22.539 --> 00:38:23.660 for 00:38:23.660 --> 00:38:24.039 members 00:38:24.039 --> 00:38:24.480 of our 00:38:24.480 --> 00:38:25.039 community 00:38:25.039 --> 00:38:25.840 that 00:38:25.840 --> 00:38:26.099 are 00:38:26.099 --> 00:38:26.780 feeling 00:38:26.780 --> 00:38:28.280 a 00:38:28.280 --> 00:38:29.260 growing 00:38:29.260 --> 00:38:29.860 weight 00:38:29.860 --> 00:38:30.160 of 00:38:30.160 --> 00:38:30.920 isolation 00:38:30.920 --> 00:38:32.660 and 00:38:32.660 --> 00:38:33.079 loneliness. 00:38:33.079 --> 00:38:35.900 And we're 00:38:35.900 --> 00:38:36.319 seeking to 00:38:36.319 --> 00:38:36.900 raise funds 00:38:36.900 --> 00:38:37.279 not just 00:38:37.279 --> 00:38:37.659 for those 00:38:37.659 --> 00:38:38.219 two things 00:38:38.219 --> 00:38:38.779 but with 00:38:38.779 --> 00:38:39.299 a particular 00:38:39.299 --> 00:38:40.159 focus 00:38:40.159 --> 00:38:41.539 on youth 00:38:41.539 --> 00:38:42.059 and young 00:38:42.059 --> 00:38:42.480 adults 00:38:42.480 --> 00:38:42.840 in our 00:38:42.840 --> 00:38:43.259 neighbourhood 00:38:43.259 --> 00:38:44.179 who are 00:38:44.179 --> 00:38:44.860 the most 00:38:44.860 --> 00:38:45.539 isolated 00:38:45.539 --> 00:38:46.299 and lonely 00:38:46.299 --> 00:38:46.960 in this 00:38:46.960 --> 00:38:47.239 day. 00:38:49.500 --> 00:38:49.940 And so 00:38:49.940 --> 00:38:51.000 to 00:38:51.000 --> 00:38:52.719 use the 00:38:52.719 --> 00:38:53.139 words of 00:38:53.139 --> 00:38:53.460 Jesus 00:38:53.460 --> 00:38:53.840 if you 00:38:53.840 --> 00:38:54.259 like, 00:38:55.420 --> 00:38:56.199 give 00:38:56.199 --> 00:38:56.960 to these 00:38:56.960 --> 00:38:57.759 projects, 00:38:58.440 --> 00:38:58.799 give 00:38:58.799 --> 00:38:59.460 generously 00:38:59.460 --> 00:39:00.759 that you 00:39:00.759 --> 00:39:01.579 might win 00:39:01.579 --> 00:39:02.179 eternal 00:39:02.179 --> 00:39:02.880 friends 00:39:02.880 --> 00:39:03.579 for 00:39:03.579 --> 00:39:04.119 yourself. 00:39:05.980 --> 00:39:06.320 The 00:39:06.320 --> 00:39:07.079 third 00:39:07.079 --> 00:39:07.539 implication 00:39:07.539 --> 00:39:08.599 is what 00:39:08.599 --> 00:39:08.900 is your 00:39:08.900 --> 00:39:09.360 personal 00:39:09.360 --> 00:39:09.680 next 00:39:09.680 --> 00:39:09.960 step. 00:39:10.920 --> 00:39:11.460 There is 00:39:11.460 --> 00:39:11.900 absolutely 00:39:11.900 --> 00:39:12.619 no such 00:39:12.619 --> 00:39:12.960 thing 00:39:12.960 --> 00:39:13.519 in the 00:39:13.519 --> 00:39:13.760 Bible, 00:39:13.860 --> 00:39:14.000 Old 00:39:14.000 --> 00:39:14.240 Testament 00:39:14.240 --> 00:39:14.480 and 00:39:14.480 --> 00:39:14.700 New 00:39:14.700 --> 00:39:15.720 that 00:39:15.720 --> 00:39:15.940 would 00:39:15.940 --> 00:39:16.180 in 00:39:16.180 --> 00:39:16.420 any 00:39:16.420 --> 00:39:16.720 way 00:39:16.720 --> 00:39:17.300 encourage, 00:39:17.720 --> 00:39:18.180 support, 00:39:18.400 --> 00:39:18.880 condone, 00:39:19.059 --> 00:39:19.619 isolated 00:39:19.619 --> 00:39:20.280 Christian 00:39:20.280 --> 00:39:20.660 faith. 00:39:21.240 --> 00:39:21.640 It does 00:39:21.640 --> 00:39:22.320 not exist. 00:39:22.840 --> 00:39:23.240 It's a 00:39:23.240 --> 00:39:23.680 concept, 00:39:23.840 --> 00:39:24.380 a category 00:39:24.380 --> 00:39:24.900 that does 00:39:24.900 --> 00:39:26.039 not exist 00:39:26.039 --> 00:39:27.140 in 00:39:27.140 --> 00:39:27.660 Christianity. 00:39:28.539 --> 00:39:29.140 The 00:39:29.140 --> 00:39:29.539 main 00:39:29.539 --> 00:39:30.160 source 00:39:30.160 --> 00:39:31.059 of such 00:39:31.059 --> 00:39:31.640 spiritual 00:39:31.640 --> 00:39:32.140 friendships 00:39:32.139 --> 00:39:32.759 here at 00:39:32.759 --> 00:39:32.920 St. 00:39:32.980 --> 00:39:33.319 Paul's 00:39:33.319 --> 00:39:33.679 is our 00:39:33.679 --> 00:39:34.039 community 00:39:34.039 --> 00:39:34.420 groups. 00:39:34.839 --> 00:39:35.239 If you're 00:39:35.239 --> 00:39:35.579 not in 00:39:35.579 --> 00:39:35.859 one, 00:39:36.179 --> 00:39:36.519 I want 00:39:36.519 --> 00:39:36.960 to encourage 00:39:36.960 --> 00:39:37.759 you strongly 00:39:37.759 --> 00:39:38.400 to join 00:39:38.400 --> 00:39:38.699 one. 00:39:39.299 --> 00:39:39.679 And if 00:39:39.679 --> 00:39:39.940 you're 00:39:39.940 --> 00:39:40.440 already 00:39:40.440 --> 00:39:40.879 one, 00:39:41.519 --> 00:39:41.940 go back 00:39:41.940 --> 00:39:42.179 to my 00:39:42.179 --> 00:39:42.719 first point, 00:39:42.799 --> 00:39:43.119 what is 00:39:43.119 --> 00:39:43.559 your next 00:39:43.559 --> 00:39:44.079 step to 00:39:44.079 --> 00:39:44.500 take the 00:39:44.500 --> 00:39:45.119 relationships 00:39:45.119 --> 00:39:45.799 in that 00:39:45.799 --> 00:39:46.259 group 00:39:46.259 --> 00:39:47.139 to a 00:39:47.139 --> 00:39:47.339 deeper 00:39:47.339 --> 00:39:47.639 level? 00:39:49.519 --> 00:39:50.099 What we're 00:39:50.099 --> 00:39:50.359 going to do 00:39:50.359 --> 00:39:50.900 now is we're 00:39:50.900 --> 00:39:51.079 going to 00:39:51.079 --> 00:39:51.480 participate 00:39:51.480 --> 00:39:52.179 together in 00:39:52.179 --> 00:39:52.599 the Lord's 00:39:52.599 --> 00:39:52.819 Supper. 00:39:52.820 --> 00:39:53.820 love 00:39:53.820 --> 00:39:54.820 to 00:39:54.820 --> 00:39:55.340 love 00:39:55.340 --> 00:39:55.820 to 00:39:55.820 --> 00:39:56.220 love 00:39:56.220 --> 00:39:56.820 to 00:39:56.820 --> 00:39:57.260 love 00:39:57.260 --> 00:39:57.580 to 00:39:57.580 --> 00:39:58.220 love 00:39:58.220 --> 00:39:58.580 to 00:39:58.580 --> 00:39:59.380 love 00:39:59.380 --> 00:39:59.700 to 00:39:59.700 --> 00:39:59.940 love 00:39:59.940 --> 00:40:00.580 to 00:40:00.580 --> 00:40:01.300 Jesus, 00:40:02.440 --> 00:40:03.300 our 00:40:03.300 --> 00:40:03.980 true 00:40:03.980 --> 00:40:04.820 and 00:40:04.820 --> 00:40:06.480 dependable 00:40:06.480 --> 00:40:07.140 friend 00:40:07.140 --> 00:40:08.539 who 00:40:08.539 --> 00:40:08.960 became 00:40:08.960 --> 00:40:09.480 vulnerable 00:40:09.480 --> 00:40:10.600 for us, 00:40:10.920 --> 00:40:11.360 for you. 00:40:14.320 --> 00:40:14.940 And we're 00:40:14.940 --> 00:40:15.059 going to 00:40:15.059 --> 00:40:15.780 thank God 00:40:15.780 --> 00:40:16.940 and I 00:40:16.940 --> 00:40:17.500 encourage you 00:40:17.500 --> 00:40:17.800 to do 00:40:17.800 --> 00:40:18.320 this in a 00:40:18.320 --> 00:40:18.740 moment of 00:40:18.740 --> 00:40:19.160 reflection 00:40:19.160 --> 00:40:19.360 and 00:40:19.360 --> 00:40:19.800 quietness. 00:40:19.800 --> 00:40:20.039 Can I 00:40:20.039 --> 00:40:20.280 get my 00:40:20.280 --> 00:40:20.519 helpers 00:40:20.519 --> 00:40:20.800 to come 00:40:20.800 --> 00:40:21.140 and 00:40:21.140 --> 00:40:22.400 distribute 00:40:22.400 --> 00:40:22.920 now? 00:40:24.080 --> 00:40:24.800 In a 00:40:24.800 --> 00:40:25.140 moment of 00:40:25.140 --> 00:40:25.600 reflections 00:40:25.600 --> 00:40:25.940 and 00:40:25.940 --> 00:40:26.600 quietness, 00:40:27.620 --> 00:40:29.860 thank God 00:40:29.860 --> 00:40:30.780 for the 00:40:30.780 --> 00:40:31.280 spiritual 00:40:31.280 --> 00:40:31.960 friends that 00:40:31.960 --> 00:40:32.200 he has 00:40:32.200 --> 00:40:32.640 put in 00:40:32.640 --> 00:40:33.460 your life, 00:40:33.539 --> 00:40:33.920 including 00:40:33.920 --> 00:40:34.560 the ones 00:40:34.560 --> 00:40:35.039 in this 00:40:35.039 --> 00:40:35.300 church 00:40:35.300 --> 00:40:35.980 right now. 00:40:37.260 --> 00:40:37.900 Because 00:40:37.900 --> 00:40:38.720 God has 00:40:38.720 --> 00:40:40.080 not just 00:40:40.080 --> 00:40:41.200 chosen us 00:40:41.200 --> 00:40:41.800 as his 00:40:41.800 --> 00:40:42.560 friends in 00:40:42.560 --> 00:40:43.100 Jesus, 00:40:43.700 --> 00:40:44.220 in terms 00:40:44.220 --> 00:40:44.480 of our 00:40:44.480 --> 00:40:44.800 relationship 00:40:44.800 --> 00:40:45.360 with him, 00:40:45.960 --> 00:40:46.940 he in 00:40:46.940 --> 00:40:47.480 his 00:40:47.480 --> 00:40:49.120 providence 00:40:49.119 --> 00:40:50.079 has 00:40:50.079 --> 00:40:50.739 chosen 00:40:50.739 --> 00:40:51.480 us 00:40:51.480 --> 00:40:52.480 to be 00:40:52.480 --> 00:40:53.839 friends 00:40:53.839 --> 00:40:55.460 in 00:40:55.460 --> 00:40:55.799 Jesus 00:40:55.799 --> 00:40:56.259 together 00:40:56.259 --> 00:40:56.980 right now 00:40:56.980 --> 00:40:57.539 in this 00:40:57.539 --> 00:40:58.059 day and 00:40:58.059 --> 00:40:58.460 age. 00:41:00.619 --> 00:41:01.599 So that 00:41:01.599 --> 00:41:02.199 means that 00:41:02.199 --> 00:41:02.679 if your 00:41:02.679 --> 00:41:03.159 spiritual 00:41:03.159 --> 00:41:04.019 friends are 00:41:04.019 --> 00:41:04.619 primarily 00:41:04.619 --> 00:41:05.619 outside of 00:41:05.619 --> 00:41:05.799 this 00:41:05.799 --> 00:41:06.279 community, 00:41:06.699 --> 00:41:07.079 there's 00:41:07.079 --> 00:41:07.559 another 00:41:07.559 --> 00:41:08.239 imbalance 00:41:08.239 --> 00:41:08.799 that needs 00:41:08.799 --> 00:41:09.099 to be 00:41:09.099 --> 00:41:09.500 corrected. 00:41:13.139 --> 00:41:13.960 In the 00:41:13.960 --> 00:41:14.339 Lord's 00:41:14.339 --> 00:41:14.659 Supper, 00:41:15.420 --> 00:41:16.059 it is 00:41:16.059 --> 00:41:16.579 Jesus 00:41:16.579 --> 00:41:17.339 who has 00:41:17.339 --> 00:41:17.839 provided 00:41:17.839 --> 00:41:18.559 the feast 00:41:18.559 --> 00:41:20.139 and so 00:41:20.139 --> 00:41:20.360 we're 00:41:20.360 --> 00:41:20.739 reflecting 00:41:20.739 --> 00:41:21.279 on him. 00:41:21.519 --> 00:41:21.799 It is 00:41:21.799 --> 00:41:22.719 he who 00:41:22.719 --> 00:41:22.900 has 00:41:22.900 --> 00:41:23.380 provided 00:41:23.380 --> 00:41:23.659 the 00:41:23.659 --> 00:41:24.119 feast 00:41:24.119 --> 00:41:26.500 and 00:41:26.500 --> 00:41:26.799 this 00:41:26.799 --> 00:41:27.420 day 00:41:27.420 --> 00:41:29.659 in his 00:41:29.659 --> 00:41:30.440 providence, 00:41:31.000 --> 00:41:31.960 it is 00:41:31.960 --> 00:41:32.619 he who 00:41:32.619 --> 00:41:32.820 has 00:41:32.820 --> 00:41:33.320 chosen 00:41:33.320 --> 00:41:33.960 the 00:41:33.960 --> 00:41:34.239 guest 00:41:34.239 --> 00:41:34.679 list 00:41:34.679 --> 00:41:35.519 to 00:41:35.519 --> 00:41:35.880 enjoy 00:41:35.880 --> 00:41:36.019 it 00:41:36.019 --> 00:41:36.360 together. 00:41:40.360 --> 00:41:41.259 So as 00:41:41.259 --> 00:41:41.619 we do 00:41:41.619 --> 00:41:41.960 this, 00:41:42.079 --> 00:41:42.340 let us 00:41:42.340 --> 00:41:42.779 not forget 00:41:42.779 --> 00:41:43.460 our host 00:41:43.460 --> 00:41:44.880 as we 00:41:44.880 --> 00:41:45.460 eat and 00:41:45.460 --> 00:41:45.760 drink 00:41:45.760 --> 00:41:46.059 with 00:41:46.059 --> 00:41:46.460 grateful 00:41:46.460 --> 00:41:47.079 hearts 00:41:47.079 --> 00:41:48.400 for the 00:41:48.400 --> 00:41:48.720 mercy 00:41:48.720 --> 00:41:49.059 of 00:41:49.059 --> 00:41:49.519 himself 00:41:49.519 --> 00:41:50.780 and 00:41:50.780 --> 00:41:50.980 the 00:41:50.980 --> 00:41:51.280 mercy 00:41:51.280 --> 00:41:51.820 of 00:41:51.820 --> 00:41:52.179 each 00:41:52.179 --> 00:41:52.460 other. 00:41:53.860 --> 00:41:54.579 And as 00:41:54.579 --> 00:41:55.159 we do, 00:41:56.380 --> 00:41:56.800 may we 00:41:56.800 --> 00:41:57.559 also be 00:41:57.559 --> 00:41:58.280 reflecting 00:41:58.280 --> 00:41:59.360 and praying 00:41:59.360 --> 00:42:00.460 that we 00:42:00.460 --> 00:42:01.059 might become 00:42:01.059 --> 00:42:01.800 better friends 00:42:01.800 --> 00:42:02.559 of Jesus 00:42:02.559 --> 00:42:03.940 and that we 00:42:03.940 --> 00:42:04.559 might become 00:42:04.559 --> 00:42:05.360 better friends 00:42:05.360 --> 00:42:06.400 of Jesus 00:42:06.400 --> 00:42:07.619 together 00:42:07.619 --> 00:42:08.800 as we 00:42:08.800 --> 00:42:09.400 become better 00:42:09.400 --> 00:42:10.039 friends of 00:42:10.039 --> 00:42:10.320 each 00:42:10.320 --> 00:42:10.639 other.